The Wiz is back on Broadway in 2024! The new production stars Wayne Brady as The Wiz alongside Nichelle Lewis, making her Broadway debut in the star-making role of Dorothy. The production started a national tour in 2023 and has now landed at its new home, the on Broadway!
The musical has been a cultural staple since its original Broadway debut in 1975. Winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the adaptation brings a unique blend of R&B, soul, and funk to the classic tale of Oz. With a 1984 revival and several tours since its premiere, The Wiz has seen a number of famous faces donning the silver slippers and journeying down the yellow brick road. Here’s a look at some of the stars who have brought magic to this musical over the years.
Stephanie Mills
Stephanie Mills burst onto the Broadway scene as Dorothy, charming audiences with her powerful voice and heartfelt performance. Mills’ rendition of “Home” became an instant classic, embodying the soul of the musical. Her connection with Dorothy was so iconic that she reprised her role in several revivals, forever linking her name with The Wiz.
André De Shields
André De Shields took on the mysterious and charismatic role of the Wiz in the original Broadway production. His dynamic presence and masterful performance as the all-powerful wizard left a lasting impression, paving the way for a distinguished career in theatre, including his Tony-winning turn in Hadestown, which he followed up most recently with the role of Ben Loman in Death of a Salesman.
Hinton Battle
As the Scarecrow, Hinton Battle brought an infectious energy and incredible dance skills that helped make The Wiz a true spectacle. He continued to influence Broadway with roles in other musicals like Sophisticated Ladies, The Tap Dance Kid, and Miss Saigon, winning a Tony Award for each of them.
Of course, the 1978 film adaptation starred some of the most iconic Black talent of the time, including Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor, and Lena Horne. They need no blurbs about their many accomplishments of course.
With each revival and production, The Wiz continues to enchant new generations of theatergoers, proving that this reimagined classic remains timeless. As we look forward to future revivals, these memorable performances remind us why The Wiz is indeed a fabulous way to experience the magic of Oz.
Jeremy Jordan’s trajectory on Broadway is punctuated by his versatile talents, including his compelling voice, charismatic stage presence, and the ability to imbue depth into a variety of roles. His performances often intersect with other luminary figures in theater, creating memorable experiences on stage.
His latest is the titular role in the new Great Gatsby musical, now running at the Broadway Theatre! Starring opposite Eva Noblezada, Jordan is once again in full leading man territory, belt and charm intact. So let’s embark on this lyrical journey through Jeremy Jordan’s illustrious Broadway career until now, embellished with the finest details of his most notable productions.
“Bonnie & Clyde” (2011)
After replacement and understudy roles in West Side Story and Rock of Ages, respectively, Jordan originated his first Broadway role, Clyde Barrow, in the musical adaptation of Bonnie & Clyde, the tale of the infamous American criminal couple, known for their bank robberies during the Great Depression. Jordan appeared oppostie Laura Osnes as Bonnie Parker, sining music by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Don Black.
“Newsies” (2012)
Jeremy Jordan is almost synonymous with the name Jack Kelly, after the star led the ensemble of New York City Newsboys on strike in Disney’s Newsies. Jordan’s Jack Kelly is a charismatic leader fighting for justice, longing for a better life someday in Santa Fe.
“American Son” (2018)
As Officer Paul Larkin, Jordan gave his first performance in a Broadway play for Christopher Demos-Brown’s American Son. In this gripping drama that delves into the complexities of a racially charged police encounter, Jordan starred opposite Kerry Washington and Steven Pasquale, with the play later being adapted for a Netflix film
“Waitress” (2018)
One of several Dr. Pomatters during the Broadway run of Waitress, Jordan offered both comedic relief and romantic interest to the heartwarming tale of a pie-making waitress, seeking a fresh start. He played this role opposite Shoshana Bean as Jenna, together singing the music of Sara Bareilles.
Witness the first major Broadway revival in 25 years of Thornton Wilder’s timeless classic, OUR TOWN, hitting Broadway’s Barrymore Theatre in a strictly limited engagement. Directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, this production has a stellar cast of 28 actors, led by acclaimed performers such as Jim Parsons, Zoey Deutch, Katie Holmes, and more.
Don’t miss Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award-winner Jim Parsons as the captivating “Stage Manager,” alongside a stellar ensemble including Obie & Audelco Award-winner Billy Eugene Jones, Tony & Grammy Award-nominee Ephraim Sykes, Tony & Drama Desk-nominee Michelle Wilson, and many others.
Previews kick off on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, with the grand opening set for Thursday, October 10, 2024. Secure your tickets now for this unforgettable Broadway experience! Tickets available at Telecharge.com or by calling 212-239-6200.
Be part of the magic as OUR TOWN comes to life once again, exploring the timeless drama of life in the village of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. Directed by the acclaimed Kenny Leon, this revival promises to captivate audiences with its universal themes and powerful performances.
Thornton Wilder’s Our Town plays at the Barrymore Theatre for an unforgettable evening of theatre. Visit OurTownBroadway.com for more information.
In celebration of Easter, let’s take a look at some of the representations of Jesus Christ on the Main Stem!
Godspell
Godspell had a circuitous journey to becoming one of the most beloved Broadway musicals of all time. It premiered off-Broadway in 1971, a movie version was released in 1973, and the production was performed as far and wide as Tehran, Iran, before finally coming to Broadway in 1976. It also has an uncanny ability to create stars – its original Toronto production featured Victor Garber, Andrea Martin, Eugene Levy, Gilda Radner, and Martin Short before they all became legends. The 2011 revival was the launchpad for Emmy winner Uzo Aduba, was Tony winner Joaquina Kalukango’s Broadway debut, and featured Lindsay Mendez before her Tony win and before her Elphaba days.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s first Broadway show might also be his strangest. A psychedelic rock musical about the final days of Jesus’ life, it took Broadway and the West End by storm in 1971. (a surprising bit of apocrypha in the show’s original program credits – gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk worked as the director’s assistant before moving back to San Francisco and running for office.) The show has been revived on Broadway three times, most recently in 2012 with Paul Alexander Nolan in the title role. Along with the 1973 Norman Jewison film, it was also adapted to television in 2018 with an all-star Broadway cast including Sara Bareilles, John Legend, and Brandon Victor Dixon.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Jesus makes a quick cameo in this 2005 Tony-winning musical, inspiring constant overachiever Marcy Park to screw up a word and free herself from the pressures of the Bee. After getting eliminated in the Bee, the actor playing Chip Tolentino quickly swaps into a Biblical robe – in the original Broadway cast that was Here Lies Loves’ Jose Llana.
The Book of Mormon
The show’s prologue features a quick primer on Mormon theology, and Christ himself appears briefly. But Jesus shows back up in the act-2 showstopper “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream”, to scare Elder Price into doing the right thing. The dance number also includes cameos from Adolf Hitler, Genghis Khan, Jeffrey Dahmer, and Jonnie Cochran (it’s a bit of doozy.)
And a special mention for Corpus Christi –
The late Terrence McNally, known for Broadway classics like Master Class and Ragtime, faced a great deal of backlash when he premiered his play Corpus Christi off-Broadway in 1998 at Manhattan Theatre Club. Similar to Jesus Christ Superstar, McNally mapped the story of the Gospels and the Crucifiction onto a modern day setting. To explore themes of homophobia and bigotry in Christianity, McNally imagines Jesus, Judas, and other disciples as gay men. A scene in which Jesus/”Joshua” and Judas kiss prompted protestors to picket the show’s opening night. (Norman Lear, Tony Kushner, and David Henry Hwang organized a counter-protest in support of McNally and MTC.) The original off-Broadway cast featured such future stars as Michael C. Hall, Anson Mount, Christopher Fitzgerald, and Jeremy Shamos. Productions of the play continue to face backlash, as recently as 2023.
The iconic Kander & Ebb musical Cabaret makes its triumphant return to Broadway this month at the August Wilson Theatre, with Eddie Redmayne reprising his Olivier Award-winning performance as the Emcee. So now is the perfect time to catch up with the stars who have dazzled us over the years in this groundbreaking show. This being the show’s fourth Broadway outing, several of Broadway’s (and even Hollywood’s) brightest stars have stepped into the Berlinian dance shoes of these characters.
Joel Grey
The Master of Ceremonies who set the bar, Joel Grey’s performance in Cabaret is etched in Broadway history. But that was just the beginning. Grey twirled from the Kit Kat Club to directing the Tony-winning revival of The Normal Heart, and even donned the wizard’s hat back onstage in Wicked. His magic extends beyond the stage with roles in TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and films such as Dancer in the Dark, not to mention the film version of Cabaret itself!
Liza Minnelli
The quintessential Sally Bowles, Liza Minnelli’s performance is Broadway royalty. An EGOT holder, she’s dazzled audiences in The Act and shared her legendary talents in Liza’s at The Palace…, among so many others. Her film career is just as sparkling, with the iconic Cabaret movie and the charming Arthur.
Photo by Joan Marcus.
Alan Cumming
Alan Cumming’s portrayal of the Emcee was nothing short of a sensation, snagging him a Tony for the 1998 revival, before he reprised the role in the 2014 revival. Cumming’s charisma has lit up the stage in productions like Design for Living and Macbeth, while his screen presence has captivated audiences in The Good Wife and charmed families in Spy Kids.
Photo by Joan Marcus.
Michelle Williams
Stepping into the shoes of Sally Bowles in 2014, Michelle Williams brought a fresh vulnerability to the role. Her Broadway journey continued with a Tony-nominated performance in Blackbird. On screen, she’s garnered critical acclaim and Oscar nods for roles in films like Manchester by the Sea and My Week with Marilyn.
Photo by Joan Marcus.
Emma Stone
Emma Stone’s Broadway debut as Sally Bowles was a standing ovation-worthy affair. The recently minted two-time Oscar winner has danced her way between the stage and the silver screen, clinching an Oscar for La La Land and exploring complex characters in Birdman and The Favourite. She has not yet returned to the stage and has since hinted that the intense performance schedule might keep her from doing so anytime soon.
With the spotlight ready to shine on Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin in the latest Cabaret revival, we tip our bowler hats to these past performers who’ve given us unforgettable moments both on Broadway and beyond.
Irish theatre has a long and storied history on Broadway, dating back to the early 20th century. From the works of great Irish playwrights like George Bernard Shaw and Sean O’Casey to contemporary productions like “The Ferryman” and “Hangmen” Irish theatre has made a significant impact on the Broadway stage.
George Bernard Shaw at Shaw’s Corner, his home for 44 years (photo: Granger Historical Picture Archive / Alamy Stock Photo)
One of the earliest examples of Irish theatre on Broadway was George Bernard Shaw’s “John Bull’s Other Island,” which premiered in 1904. The play tells the story of an Englishman who travels to Ireland to build a hydroelectric power plant, but finds himself at odds with the locals and their way of life. The play was a success and helped establish Shaw as one of the leading playwrights of his time.
From left, Adam Petherbridge, Clare O’Malley, John Keating and Ed Malone in “The Plough and the Stars.”
Another notable Irish playwright who made an impact on Broadway was Sean O’Casey. His plays, including “Juno and the Paycock” and “The Plough and the Stars,” dealt with the struggles of working-class Irish families during the early 20th century. These plays were praised for their realistic depictions of life in Ireland and helped introduce American audiences to the political and social issues of the time.
The Weir 1999 Broadway Production Photo
A new generation of Irish playwrights emerged, including Brian Friel and Conor McPherson. Friel’s “Dancing at Lughnasa” (1991) tells the story of five unmarried sisters living in rural Ireland in 1936, while McPherson’s “The Weir” (1999) is a ghost story set in a remote Irish pub. Both plays were critical and commercial successes on Broadway, and helped establish Ireland as a major force in contemporary theatre.
In recent years, Irish theatre has continued to make an impact on Broadway. In 2012, “Once,” a musical based on the 2006 film of the same name, premiered on Broadway and went on to win eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The show, which tells the story of a Dublin street musician and a Czech immigrant who fall in love, was praised for its heartfelt music and authentic portrayal of life in Dublin.
Another recent Irish production that made waves on Broadway was “The Ferryman,” a play by Jez Butterworth that premiered in 2018. Set in rural Northern Ireland during the Troubles, the play tells the story of a family caught up in the conflict. “The Ferryman” was praised for its powerful performances and gripping storytelling, and won four Tony Awards, including Best Play.
(Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times)
You cannot write a piece about Irish theatre without playwright Martin McDonagh, a renowned Irish playwright and screenwriter who has made significant contributions to Broadway. He is best known for his dark comedies and exploration of human nature through his works. McDonagh made his Broadway debut in 1998 with “The Beauty Queen of Leenane,” which was critically acclaimed and won four Tony Awards, including Best Play. He followed this up with “The Lonesome West,” “The Pillowman” and “Hangmen,” all of which were also well-received by audiences and critics. McDonagh’s works have brought a unique voice to Broadway, with their dark humor and complex characters. His contributions to the world of theater have helped to shape and define the modern stage, and his influence continues to be felt in productions around the world.
Gabriel Byrne’s “Walking With Ghosts”
Irish theatre on Broadway has also provided a platform for Irish actors to showcase their talent. Actors like Liam Neeson, Gabriel Byrne, and Saoirse Ronan have all appeared in Irish productions on Broadway, helping to raise the profile of Irish theatre in the United States.
Irish plays have captivated audiences with their poignant storytelling and authentic depictions of Irish life. As long as there are talented Irish playwrights and actors, Irish theatre will continue to thrive on the Broadway stage.
Broadway has a long-standing tradition of transforming beloved books into mesmerizing theater. Alongside plays and films, novels offer great inspiration for stage adaptation as the characters, settings, and stories are expanded to their most expressive form. From Porgy & Bess (adapted from the 1925 novel “Porgy”) to Les Misérables (adapted from Victor Hugo’s novel), this has been a constant for decades of Broadway history.
This season, Broadway is brimming with literary magic, as several new musicals and revivals, all from the page to the stage, join the lineup of shows that promise to captivate audiences. Here’s a roundup of the current must-see Broadway shows adapted from books:
Water for Elephants
The touching tale of “Water for Elephants,” based on Sara Gruen’s novel, comes to life on stage with a spectacle-filled production. Set during the Great Depression, it follows a young man who finds love and purpose within a second-rate traveling circus.
The Notebook
Nicholas Sparks’s “The Notebook” is known for its heart-wrenching love story, now sung on stage. The musical adaptation explores the enduring love between Noah and Allie, spanning decades and defying the challenges of memory and time.
The Outsiders
S.E. Hinton’s novel “The Outsiders” captures the strife and solidarity among a group of teenagers in 1960s Oklahoma. The musical adaptation brings the battle between the Greasers and the Socs to the stage with a dynamic original score by Jamestown Revival.
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel about the enigmatic Jay Gatsby and the excesses of the Jazz Age has been adapted into a stage production, starring Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada. Following a successful premiere at Papermill Playhouse, the musical is just the first adaptation of Fitzgerald’s iconic tale.
Cabaret
The latest revival of “Cabaret,” the Kander & Ebb musical based on Christopher Isherwood’s “Berlin Stories” is set to open its doors soon starring Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin. The musical is set in Berlin during the rise of the Nazi party and focuses on the patrons and performers of the Kit Kat Club.
The Wiz
A retelling of L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” “The Wiz” infuses Dorothy’s journey to Oz with a dazzling mix of rock, gospel, and soul. The musical returns to Broadway 40 years after it was first revived in 1984, following a national tour.
Wicked
Adapted from Gregory Maguire’s novel, which reimagines the land of Oz, “Wicked” tells the untold story of the witches of Oz. The musical, which has been running at Broadway’s Gershwin theatre for over 20 years, delves into the complex relationship between Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch. A film adaptation of the show is set to hit theaters in 2024 and 2025, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
Hamilton
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton” is a revolutionary musical based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton. It blends hip-hop, jazz, and R&B to recount the tale of America’s Founding Father with a diverse cast that mirrors America today.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
While not a musical, this play continues the story of J.K. Rowling’s beloved wizarding world, focusing on the next generation of Hogwarts students. It is en evolution of the iconic book series, landing it a spot on this list.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
This thrilling musical tells the dark tale of a vengeful barber and is adapted from the Victorian penny dreadful serial. Stephen Sondheim and George Furth used the stories as inspiration in creating the murderous musical.
From the green lands of Oz to the tumultuous streets of Tulsa, these adaptations offer a diverse array of narratives that are as enchanting as they are thought-provoking. Whether you’re a book lover or a theater enthusiast, these shows are sure to leave an indelible mark on your Broadway experience.
Through her work as a circus designer, Shana Carroll strives to tell deeply human stories. When she was approached to collaborate on Water for Elephants, Carroll jumped at the chance, embracing the opportunity to accomplish meaningful storytelling using the visual language of circus.
“I felt like there was potential to have deep and powerful work with circus language,” Carroll said. “Partly because of the story, but also because of the composing team [PigPen Theatre Co.]. They also have a grit and a depth and a humanity to their work [that] I felt was similar to how I approach the circus and my work.”
The depth and humanity of circus are the reasons why Carroll was drawn to the art form in the first place. She recalls the moment she fell in love with the circus—newly eighteen, stepping into the old church where the Pickle Family Circus rehearsed, transfixed by the aerialists that dangled before her.
“I walked in and saw the trapeze artists 10 feet from me,” Shana said. “Seeing it so close up and seeing them with training clothes and messy hair, I suddenly saw the human being inside of it and just how moving and beautiful it was and how real it was. In theatre, we’re always trying to find metaphors for freedom and flight or stakes, and these were like very real stakes and very real feelings of freedom and flight.”
From then on, Carroll decided to devote her life to becoming a trapeze artist. She attended circus school in Montreal and was later involved with the Cirque du Soleil show Saltimbanco. While performing as a trapeze artist, Carroll was deeply involved with directing and coming up with new acts. Soon after founding the circus collective The Seven Fingers in 2002, Carroll shifted focus, committing herself to directing and choreographing full-time.
“I really just got so much more out of being able to work with other people and watch their progress and try to find the artist in them and the brilliance in them and the beauty in them and then also write shows,” Carroll explained.
Shana Carroll in rehearsal with the cast of Water for Elephants. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
A pivotal step in Carroll’s creative process for Water for Elephants was determining how circus functions as a narrative device in the musical. By looking through the script and spending time with the characters, Carroll came to see Water for Elephants as a memory play, where the “surreal capacity of circus language” allows the protagonist Jacob Jankowski to revisit the memories of his youth.
One scene in the show that illustrates the work Carroll strives to achieve through circus language happens during the raising of a circus tent soon after Jacob joins the traveling company.
“It’s the moment he’s falling in love with the circus, and so we want to make that feel sparkly and exciting and spectacular,” Carroll explained. “But also the sense of family and community which is so much why we fall in love with the circus. You need to throw someone and catch someone and hold them on your shoulders, and so it sort of speaks to the family element, just in the pure mechanics of circus language.”
Cast members celebrate the first preview performance of Water for Elephants at the Imperial Theatre. Photo by Tyler Gustin for MurphyMade.
Helping establish this feeling of interdependence among performers is a critical part of Carroll’s work as a circus designer. While actors and dancers are accustomed to working as an ensemble, performers often face a steep learning curve when real risk is involved as they must prioritize the safety of their castmates above their own.
“Everyone needs to adopt that feeling that everyone has everyone’s lives in their hands,” Carroll said. “Even if you’re not catching someone, you have their life in your hands. I think that’s one reason there’s been this really incredible camaraderie and bonding and spirit in the cast, because they have absorbed that.”
For Carroll, one of the most rewarding parts of working on Water for Elephants has been watching members of the cast and creative team appreciate the circus she treasures, the circus she fell in love with seeing trapeze artists all those years ago.
“I like the circus when we identify with the human on stage and then connect to the human on stage,” Carroll explained. “We care about the fact they’re hanging by one foot or standing on someone’s head and we care for them and their safety because we’ve somehow connected to them as a human.”
In honor of President’s Day, let’s take a look back at some of the most memorable portrayals of two of America’s greatest leaders, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, as seen on the Broadway stage. From stirring speeches to moments of vulnerability, these performances have brought history to life in uniquely theatrical ways.
George Washington in Hamilton
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking 2015 musical “Hamilton” offers a fresh and dynamic portrayal of George Washington, depicted as a mentor and father figure to Alexander Hamilton through the Revolutionary War and his presidency. Christopher Jackson’s commanding presence and powerful vocals make Washington’s leadership palpable, particularly in the songs ‘Right Hand Man’ and ‘One Last Time.’
Abraham Lincoln in Abe Lincoln in Illinois
Lincoln Center Theater’s 1994 revival of Abe Lincoln in Illinois.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Robert E. Sherwood chronicles the life of Abraham Lincoln from his humble beginnings to his presidency. Originally performed in 1938 and later revived in 1994 (with Sam Waterston’s Tony-nominated performance in the title role), it offers a poignant depiction of Lincoln’s journey, capturing his wit, wisdom, and the weight of his decisions during a tumultuous era in American history.
George Washington in 1776
In this Tony Award-winning musical, Washington’s presence looms large, even if he never appears on stage. As the Continental Congress debates independence, Washington’s leadership is felt through references and discussions about his character and actions, as well as in the reading of his dispatches from the battlefield. The musical about the signing of the Declaration of Independence has appeared on Broadway twice since its premiere in 1969, most recently in a gender-bent production at the Roundabout Theatre Company’s American Airlines Theatre (now the Todd Haimes Theatre).
Abraham Lincoln in Assassins
Stephen Sondheim’s dark and thought-provoking musical “Assassins” features Lincoln as a central figure, albeit in a more symbolic role. His assassination serves as a focal point for the show, exploring themes of disillusionment and the American dream through the lens of his tragic death.
From the revolutionary fervor of the American Revolution to the tumultuous days of the Civil War, these portrayals of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln remind us of the enduring impact of their leadership and the timeless relevance of their legacies. As we celebrate President’s Day, we continue to explore and honor the rich tapestry of American history, both on stage and off.
We all know that theater is a labor of love. But some of Broadway’s brightest stars have taken that to heart more than others, looking within our own theater community for romantic partnerships. In preparation for Valentine’s Day, here’s Broadway’s Best Shows’ list of our favorite Broadway duos.
Audra McDonald & Will Swenson
Photo by Marc J. Franklin
Audra McDonald is the Tony-winningest performer in history. And if she represents Broadway royalty, then her husband of over 10 years, Will Swenson, undoubtedly stands as a king in his own right. While McDonald graced the stage most recently in Ohio State Murders, Swenson commanded the stage just across Times Square, leading the cast of A Beautiful Noise as Neil Diamond. The couple starred opposite each other in a 2015 Williamstown Theatre Festival production of A Moon for the Misbegotten by Eugene O’Neill.
Phillipa Soo & Steven Pasquale
Photo by Jeremy Daniel
Another pair of performers, Philippa Soo and Steven Pasquale recently mirrored their real-life relationship, playing lovers at the Kennedy Center in their 2022 production of Guys & Dolls.Individually, Soo has appeared in Hamilton, Amélie, and Camelot, while Pasquale’s credits include The Bridges of Madison County and American Son.The couple were married in 2017, following her star-making run in Hamilton and ahead of his engagement in Lincoln Center Theater’s Junk.
Andy Karl & Orfeh
Photo by Amy Arbus
Likely the first Broadway couple that comes to mind for many, Andy Karl & Orfeh have been married since 2001, mere months after meeting when Karl joined the cast of Saturday Night Fever. The stalwarts have appeared together on the Broadway stage twice more since then, in 2007’s Legally Blond: The Musical and 2018’s Pretty Woman: The Musical.
Christopher Fitzgerald & Jessica Stone
Photo: City Center
It might be a surprise to learn that the Tony-nominated director of Kimberly Akimbo and the upcoming Water for Elephants is married to the legendary character actor, of Wicked, Waitress, and now Spamalot fame. In true showbiz fashion, Fitzgerald and Stone met in 1999, performing opposite each other in the 1999 Encores! Concert of Babes in Arms at City Center, and married in 2001. As Stone transitioned from a performer to a director, they continued to work together – most notably, Stone directed the legendary 2009 production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at Williamstown Theatre Festival, starring Fitzgerald as Pseudolus alongside an all-male cast.
Photo: Williamstown Theatre Festival
Lisa Peterson & Rachel Hauck
Photo by Jennifer Broski
A power couple off- and on Broadway, Rachel Hauck is the Tony-winning set designer of Hadestown, and Lisa Peterson is the two-time OBIE-winning director of new plays premiered around the country. They met while working at the Mark Taper Forum in 1996. Audiences might best know their project An Iliad, which Peterson wrote with performer Denis O’Hare, and which toured the country after its 2012 premiere. They most recently collaborated on the 2023 play Good Night, Oscar, which also marked Peterson’s Broadway debut.
Charlotte d’Amboise & Terrence Mann
Photo by Joan Marcus
Triple threat Charlotte d’Amboise has been married to fellow performer Terrence Mann since 1996, after meeting over a decade prior when they were both in Cats on Broadway. D’Amboise has had a long career on the Broadway stage, including two Tony-nominated performances, but is maybe best known for her perennial stints as Roxie Hart in Chicago, to which she has returned more than 25 times for brief runs in the starring role. Mann, a three-time Tony nominee, has appeared in 14 Broadway productions since 1981. The couple most recently appeared together in the 2013 revival of Pippin, and have also co-founded Triple Arts, a training program for aspiring musical theater performers, which they operate and teach together.
Maryann Plunkett & Jay O. Sanders
Photo by Joseph Marzullo
Two veterans of the New York stage, Maryann Plunkett and Jay O. Sanders have been married since 1991. Each with decades-long careers on and off Broadway, the pair has appeared onstage together in Richard Nelson’s Apple Family and The Gabriels play cycles, as husband & wife in the former three plays and then as brother- & sister-in-law in the latter. Recently, their work on Broadway overlapped as Sanders finished up the final weeks of his run in Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch at Music Box Theatre, while Plunkett worked directly across 45th Street in tech rehearsals for The Notebook at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre.
Leslie Odom, Jr. & Nicolette Robinson
Photo by Marcus Middleton
Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. married Nicolette Robinson back in 2012, years before he would go on to become a household name as the original Aaron Burr in Hamilton, and she would make her own Broadway debut in Waitress. The couple are frequent creative collaborators, releasing music together, co-writing a children’s book, and most recently, teaming up as producers for the 2023 Broadway revival of Purlie Victorious, in which Odom also starred in the title role.
Allan & Beth Williams
Behind-the-scenes duo Allan Williams & Beth Williams have each been a part of over 65 Broadway productions in their careers to date. Allan is a veteran General Manager and Producer, recently serving as GM on Purlie Victorious, Good Night Oscar, and Diana the Musical and as Executive Producer on American Utopia, The Band’s Visit, and American Psycho. Beth is a Producer, who also served as CEO of Broadway Across America between 2008 and 2013. She has 12 Tony Awards to date, and her next show is the new musical Water for Elephants.
